Deck Privacy Fence

A quiet and private space is only a weekend away with a deck privacy screen

Convert a deck railing into a handsome privacy screen and block nosy neighbors, unsightly views, wind and noise. It's easy to build and will fit most decks. And it'll make your deck a more comfortable, welcoming place. We'll show you how to do it.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

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Time

Weekend

Complexity

Moderate

Cost

$100 – $500

Overview: The advantages of a deck privacy screen

Deck and railing before the fence

The deck location includes an unsightly view of the neighbor’s backyard and dog pen.

If you enjoy spending time on your deck but the neighborhood pest seems to pop over every time you step outside, this privacy fence project is for you. There are plenty of outdoor privacy screen ideas for decks out there but this one rises above the rest. It’s designed to gracefully replace sections of your existing railing and make your deck more private. It also blocks unsightly views, reduces outdoor noise and gives you shelter from the wind, making your deck a more comfortable spot on those breezy days that usually drive you inside.

The fence is made from construction-grade cedar in standard widths available at home centers, so little cutting is required. The equal panels formed by 2×4 upright posts create an appealing symmetry that will complement any railing. We built our fence to replace one whole side and one partial section of 2×2 spindles, which are typically screwed or nailed over the rim joists and rise to a 2×6 top railing.

The step-down design has a high section that flows into a lower section and then connects neatly to the original railing. This all adds up to an uninterrupted flow—the fence looks like it was meant to be there.

Step 1: Draw up your plan and buy the materials for a deck privacy screen

Photo 1: Dismantle the old railing

Cut your original railing at the point where it intersects the lower fence section, after carefully measuring and marking your layout. Set aside these old pieces and remove all the nails.

We realize that your deck won’t be exactly like ours, but you can refer to our measurements as you carefully lay out your own plan. The first step is to determine how you’ll tie in the new privacy fence with your existing railing (if different from ours). We simply cut our existing top railing (Photo 1) and then rejoined it to the side of the last upright post (B); see Fig. A, below.

The next step is to determine how many full-size panels you’ll need. Each panel is 14-3/4 in. wide, measured from the center of one post to the center of the next. The panel closest to the house will most likely be a different width (Photo 5).

If you need a narrower panel, reduce the space between the posts and decrease the width of the slats. If you need the last panel to be a bit wider, increase the space between the posts and add a partial slat on the top and bottom. At the other end of the fence, the section that connects to the existing railing will be a full-size panel as long as you cut the original railing exactly as shown in Fig. A.

NOTE: To visually blend the privacy fence with your original deck, build it from the same type of wood. If your original wood railing has weathered (see the unweathered wood shown in Photo 4), you can wait for the new sections to weather (about two years) or you can use a deck cleaner to wash away the gray wood fibers.

You can do the entire project in one long weekend if you pick up the materials beforehand. If you have a circular saw, handsaw, sawhorses, square, tape measure, level, cordless drill and hammer, you’re all set.

Unlike the decking and the joists, where only one side needs to look good, your new fence must look good on all sides, so try to select the wood yourself. If you’re having the materials delivered, ask the lumberyard or home center if you can personally select each piece before delivery. Expect to pay extra for delivery.

Carefully dismantle the existing parts of the railing to make room for the new privacy fence. You may find it easier to saw the old railing into sections. Avoid marring the edges of your deck with hammers or pry bars and make sure to remove any exposed nails or screws.

You’ll be able to precut all the posts (A and B) as well as the rails (C). It’s best to cut the rest of the items in the Cutting List as you need them so you can get an exact fit. Wood thickness can vary slightly and affect the length of these pieces.

Figure A Deck Privacy Fence

You can download Figure A and print it. Go to “Additional Information” below.

Step 2: Cut and set the posts for a deck privacy screen

Photo 2: Notch the posts

Notch the cedar 2×4 posts (A and B) and cut them to length (Fig. A). Be sure to cut the 30-degree miter (or match an existing angle) at the bottom of each post. Notch both the tall and short pieces to fit over the deck edge.

Photo 3: Plumb and fasten the posts

Screw the posts into the rim joist using a rail section (C) as a spacer. Install the first post 1-1/2 in. from the corner. Use a level to be sure each post is plumb (straight up and down) as you screw it to the rim joist.

Important: Screw the post adjacent to the house securely to the framing or sheathing under the siding.

Follow Photos 2 and 3 and Fig. A for details on how to space and fasten the fence posts. Keep in mind that you’ll need to fasten your fence to the house for stability. Plan ahead by making sure there’s a solid surface to screw into. If you have stucco or brick, you’ll need a concrete anchor to accept the screw.

Step 3: Fasten the upper and lower rails

Photo 4: Install the lower rails

Screw the lower rails (C) to each post using 3-in. galvanized screws driven at an angle. Then use the same method, called toe screwing, to attach the upper rails (Fig. A).

Photo 5: Install the top railing

Screw the top railing (D) to each post top using 3-in. galvanized screws, then trim it to the exact length (it should overhang the post by 1 in.). Once the top railing (D) is fastened, be sure to plumb the post that’s adjacent to the house and screw it securely to the framing or the sheathing under the siding.

Photo 6: Connect the railings

Connect the tall corner post to the top rail (E) of the lower section with a pair of 3-in. galvanized screws. Be sure the top railing of the lower section is notched as shown in Fig. A.

Photos 4 – 6 and Figure A show you how to position and fasten the rails to the posts.

Step 4: Cut and nail up the railing trim

Photo 7: Cut the trim strips

Mark and rip-cut (saw lengthwise) the horizontal trim pieces (F) and the cleats (G) from wider cedar boards to the dimensions shown in the Cutting List. You may be able to have your lumberyard rip these for you.

Photo 8: Nail up the trim

Nail the horizontal trim pieces (F) to the posts (A) and rails (C) with 6d galvanized nails. The trim covers the butt joints between the rails and the posts, and it strengthens the assembly.

Photos 7 and 8 show how to rip trim strips and nail them over the railing edges to cover up the joints.

Step 5: Install the slats

Photo 9: Nail on the cleats

Nail the cleats (G) to the rail pieces and the underside of each top rail. Secure each piece with four 4d galvanized nails.

Photo 10: Install the slats

Drill pilot holes, then nail the slats in place with 4d galvanized nails. Be sure the spaces between the slats and posts are even. Drive the nails at a slight angle for better holding power. Install the upper slats in the same manner.

Photos 9 and 10 and Figure A show you how to install the slats on a deck privacy screen.

Step 6: Reinforce the rim joist and apply a finish

Photo 11: Add bridging to the joists

Strengthen the rim joist against heavy winds by adding 2×6 (or wider) box bridging between the two outside joists. Fasten the bridging to each joist with three 3-1/2 in. deck screws. Install bridging every 2 ft. Cut each piece of bridging so it fits snugly between the outer rim joist and the next inner one as shown. This boxing will stiffen the rim joist and prevent the fence from swaying.

Photo 11 shows how to strengthen the rim joist so the fence above doesn’t sway and weaken.

Then apply the finishing touches. You can employ the fine art of doing nothing and let your new fence weather, or you can protect it with a clear deck sealer.

The clear sealer will keep the wood dry and prevent checking and cracking. If you use a deck cleaner to brighten your old deck, let it dry thoroughly before applying a sealer.